On St. Johns County beaches, the red flags were flying. They fly about two times a week on average, and Tuesday they flew because the remnants of Bertha were churning up the water.

"It's not often you get a summer day with waves like this and you happen to have the day off," Matt Jeffs grinned as he sat on St. Augustine Beach after taking the surfboard for a spin.

He said he noticed a current, but not out where the surfers gather.

"The currents I encountered were in the shallow area, so that's maybe a bit of concern," Jeffs acknowledged.

Jeremy Robshaw with St. Johns County Fire Rescue said, "When you're in the shallow water, in the wave-breaking area, that's where the current will be the strongest. You're going to move more. You potentially will see the rip currents in this area."

People who don't swim well are encouraged to stay out of the water when the red flags fly. Red flags warn of strong waves and stronger currents.

"Out of an abundance of caution, we're flying the red flags and urging people to be cautious in the water. Stay by a lifeguard. Always swim within your means," Robshaw noted.

As for Jeffs, he knows these waters well and was enjoying the beautiful day.

"I'm just a salty dog from St. Augustine. Just a hooky day for me," he smiled.